How to fix printer has experienced a configuration problem on Windows 10

/ Windows / By / August 11, 2021

Printers are usually plug & play devices. Years ago, every printer came with its own installation disk with drivers meant for a specific model or series of printers. Since then, generic drivers have been developed for printers allowing most devices to work with the drivers that Windows 10 installs.

printer has configuration problem

Fix printer has had a configuration problem

Printers no longer require extensive setup. A user needs to make sure that there are no hardware problems with the printer ie, paper is loaded, doors are not open, paper is not sealed etc, but usually the software is on installed with Windows 10 and the app used for printing.

If you are trying to print something and you see a ‘configuration problem’ error, make sure;

  • No paper is stuck in the printer
  • You have the power to cycle the printer at least once
  • The cable that connects the printer is not damaged
  • Try using a different port on your computer to connect the printer
  • Disconnect other peripheral devices and then try printing
  • Try printing from different apps

Try the solutions below to resolve the error.

1. Troublesome printer run

Windows 10 has a built-in fixer for printers and is one of the first tools you should use to fix printer configuration problems.

  1. Open the Configuration application with keyboard shortcut Win + I.
  2. To Update & Security.
  3. Select the Troubled tab.
  4. Click Additional troublemakers.
  5. Run the printer troublemaker.
  6. Enter all configurations that he praises.

2. Update printer drivers

Windows 10 installs drivers for the printer automatically but does not update them infrequently. Check for updates and install the available ones.

  1. Open Device manager.
  2. Expand Print queue.
  3. Right-click on the printer and select Update driver.
  4. Search online for drivers and install the available ones.

3. Install proprietary printer software

Printers usually run with common drivers but many still have proprietary printer software. Check if there is one available for the printer model you are using and install it.

4. Restart Spooler Print service

Print Spooler is an essential service that runs when you print something. This service often has problems for the simplest things eg if you had paper jam and cleaned it, the spooler service will not run properly and will allow you to print if you do not restart .

  1. Tap on the Win + R keyboard shortcut. to open the run box.
  2. In the run box, apply services.msc and tap on the Enter key.
  3. Right click on the Print Spooler service and select Properties.
  4. Click on the Button pause.
  5. Open File Explorer and enter this %WINDIR%system32spoolprinters in the location bar. Tap on Enter.
  6. Delete all items in the printer folder (you may need administrative rights for this).
  7. Return to the Services app and right click on Print Spooler.
  8. Choose Real estate.
  9. Click Start up.
  10. Try printing.

5. Share the printer

This is a weird solution but it works for many users, especially those who use a network printer.

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. go to Hardware and sound.
  3. Click Tools and printers.
  4. Right-click on the printer and select Properties from the context table.
  5. Go to Sharing a tab.
  6. Click Share this printer.
  7. Apply the change and try printing.

Conclusion

Setting up and printing from a desktop printer has become much easier over the years. Problems with printers are usually related to hardware but configuration problems do occur from time to time. This should help repair them.

The post A configuration problem on Windows 10 first appeared on TechtricksNg.